With the slimmest of leads, Joe Espada summoned a matchup. The potential tying run toed first base with two outs in the seventh. Julio Rodríguez loomed for Seattle. Right-hander Bryan Abreu trotted in from the Houston Astros bullpen to face a familiar foe.

In an unexpected move, the Seattle Mariners removed star outfielder Julio Rodríguez from their starting lineup just moments before facing the Houston Astros. Here's what we know so far.

George Kirby’s return to the mound ended in a loss and Julio Rodríguez was scratched from the lineup as the Mariners were thumped by the Astros.